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Organizations That Help With Alzheimer’s

Brightfocus Foundation: Working To Save Mind And Sight

Alzheimer’s Prevention Program: Keep Your Brain Healthy for the Rest of Your Life

The BrightFocus Foundation was founded by Janette and Eugene Michaels in 1973, to fund essential research into Alzheimers disease, macular degeneration, and glaucoma.

Their impact and transparency ratings: The BrightFocus Foundation holds the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar, and a 3-star rating on Charity Navigator.

Cure in Mind. Cure in Sight.

BrightFocus Foundation

What they do: The BrightFocus Foundation is at the forefront of brain and eye health. Through their three main programs the Alzheimers Disease Research Program, the Macular Degeneration Research Program, and the National Glaucoma Research Program, the charity funds early-stage investor-initiated research projects around the globe. They also educate the public by providing a range of expert-led resources both on their website and in print form.

What theyve achieved: To date, the charities Alzheimers Disease Research Program has awarded nearly $140 million to 133 research projects in ranging fields from molecular biology to epidemiology. The official scientific journal Molecular Neurodegeneration published by the BrightFocus Foundation is now the top-ranking open access journal in its field.

Heres What All The Best Charities That Fight Dementia Have In Common

The charities on this list were chosen based on their mission, impact and transparency ratings, and achievements. Many of these charities are focused on funding research projects around the globe in the hope of finding a cure, others work tirelessly to provide emotional support for dementia sufferers, their families, and caregivers.

From small local charities to country-wide organizations, every dementia charity across the globe has one common goal to ensure that all dementia sufferers have the best quality of life possible and to fight the debilitating illness through research, so that one day a cure can be found.

American Parkinsons Disease Association

Key Specs

  • Membership fee: Free
  • Structure: In-person and online support groups, fitness classes
  • Details: Offers a network of local chapters and virtual events, resources created specifically for veterans and first responders, and fitness and dance classes on YouTube and via Zoom.
  • Things to consider: There are minimal fees for some classes.

The American Parkinsons Disease Association provides a variety of support groups and resources for Parkinsons disease patients and their family members and caregivers, everything from a support forum called Smart Patients to an Ask the Doctor section aimed at answering any question or concern you may have.

The APDA offers a nationwide search page to find local, in-person support group meetings for Parkinsons patients and their caregivers. Fitness classes for people with Parkinsons are available nationwide and, although there’s a fee involved, the APDA can help those who need financial assistance.

There are also resources for those with early-onset Parkinsons, veterans with Parkinsons, Spanish speakers, and more.

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B Vitamins: B3 B6 B12 & Folic Acid

B Vitamins

B Vitamins have an important role in the human brain and nervous system. They are responsible for the creation and maintenance of cells in the brain.

Researchers at the University of Oxford and at the CDC found that individuals who took a B Vitamin supplement were less likely to develop Alzheimer’s Disease than those who did not.

Get Ready To Walk With Alzheimer’s Texas

Alzheimers Association to Host 2015 Gala: Mardi Gras Masquerade in ...

We need your help to give ALZ the boot! We are so excited to be able to hold our Alzheimer’s Texas Walks! Our walks are the only Alzheimer’s walks fundraisers where 100% of the funds you raise stays in Texas. Join us to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s and related disorders, support families currently facing the disease, honor those we have lost.

Form a team, grab a friend, gather your family and walk for fun to help support our caregiver educational programs.

Join us in person to walk! Bring out your family, friends, and loved ones to show support and rally together to fight against Alzheimer’s disease!

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Nearly Every Minute Of Every Day A New Case Of Alzheimers Is Diagnosed In The Us Will You Or Someone You Love Be Next

  • Americans are living longer, 20% of the population is expected to be over 65 years of age within fifteen years.
  • 1 out of 3 people over age 65 will die as a result of Alzheimers.
  • 1 in 9 over the age of 65 currently have it, and 2/3s of these are women.
  • Alzheimers does not discriminate it affects every ethnic group, though due to socio-economic reasons, has higher incidences in Hispanic and African American populations.
  • 15 million caregivers spent 17.5 billion unpaid hours in 2012 caring for those with the disease, causing added stress, lost work time, and increased depression, and resulting in $9.1 billion in health care costs for the caregivers alone.
  • Costs to our healthcare system are staggering-estimated to reach $1.2 trillion by 2050.
  • The disease can start up to twenty years before diagnosis-as early as the age of thirty for those at high risk-yet we have no idea what causes it in 99% of all cases.
  • There is no known cure or reliable prevention.

Over the last thirty years most of the focus on Alzheimers has been on pharmaceutical solutions for treating the symptoms, not on finding a cure. The Alzheimers Research Foundation, unlike education or caregiver support organizations, is a 501c non-profit Alzheimers charity completely dedicated to finding a cure for this disease that almost certainly affects at least one person YOU know.

Plainview Teen Forms Organizations To Help Alzheimers Patients

Hailey Richman

When POB / JFK high school teenager Hailey Richman was just four years old, she tried to help her grandmother, Ruth, get through her recent Alzheimers diagnosis. Fast forward in time ten years later, and the precocious teenager launched two nonprofit organizations to help individuals and their families who are dealing with the effects of debilitating disease.

When my grandmother was diagnosed, I was four years old and I remember there were no support groups for children whose family members had Alzheimers disease or of dementia, said Richman, a freshman at POB / JFK High School. I wanted to do something about it, so four years later I started an online nonprofit organization called Kid Caregivers, which is a supportive forum for youth groups whose family members live. with Alzheimers disease.

She also created an organization called PuzzlesToRemember, which collects and distributes puzzles for Alzheimers patients living in memory care centers and nursing homes.

Before the covid pandemic, Richman said she used to go to her grandmothers nursing home and bring puzzles and games so they both could play.

I know that the puzzles are supposed to stimulate the area of the visual cortex of the brain that is diminished in Alzheimers patients. It gives these patients a rewarding activity and a sense of accomplishment. Back then, my grandmother and I loved solving puzzles and I saw that she was very happy and engaged.

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Our 360 Approach To Research

Funding revolutionary research and first-in science into diseases of mind and sight.

We hear hope firsthand from scientists about their progress toward innovative tools and technologies, which provide earlier and more accurate diagnoses and treatments.

We see hope in the eyes of the young, promising scientists who each year have their research ideas and “what-ifs” accelerated through our Fast Track programs and fellowship awards.

We find hope in the notes we receive from those who say that BrightFocus gave them clear, trusted information to better understand and manage their health.

Coping With Changes In Behavior And Personality

Supporting dementia carers: care about those who care for others

As well as changes in communication during the middle stages of dementia, troubling behavior and personality changes can also occur. These behaviors include aggressiveness, wandering, hallucinations, and eating or sleeping difficulties that can be distressing to witness and make your role as caregiver even more difficult.

Often, these behavioral issues are triggered or exacerbated by your loved ones inability to deal with stress, their frustrated attempts to communicate, or their environment. By making some simple changes, you can help ease your loved ones stress and improve their well-being, along with your own caregiving experience.

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Finding Dementia Care And Local Services

On this page

A person with dementia will need more care as symptoms worsen over time. Problems with memory, thinking, and behavior often present challenges for those with dementia as well as for their family members. Whether the disease is in early or late stages, there are support systems, resources, and services that can help.

While it can be difficult for some to admit they need assistance with care or caregiving, it is okay to ask for help. In fact, when it comes to caregiving, taking care of yourself is one of the most important things you can do.

Explore the tips and resources below to find information about dementia care and local services.

Counseling From A Mental Health Or Social Work Professional

Mental health or social work professionals help you understand your feelings, such as anger, sadness, or feeling out of control and overwhelmed, and help you deal with any stress you may be feeling. They also help develop plans for unexpected or sudden events.

What to know about costs:

  • Professional mental health counselors charge by the hour. There may be big differences in the rates you would be charged from one counselor to another.
  • Some insurance companies will cover some of these costs.
  • Medicare or Medicaid may cover some of these costs.
  • You must pay all costs not covered by Medicare, Medicaid, or insurance.

How to find them:

  • It’s a good idea to ask your health insurance staff which counselors and services, if any, your insurance plan covers. Then check with your doctor, local family service agencies, and community mental health agencies for referrals to counselors.

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Fisher Center For Alzheimers Research Foundation

The Fisher Center for Alzheimers Research Foundation is an organization supporting the Fisher Center at The Rockefeller University. Considered one of the largest and most modern facilities for Alzheimers research, the Fisher Center was founded in 1995 by philanthropists Zachary Fisher and David Rockefeller.

What Is The Impact Of The Cure Alzheimers Fund

Dementia Hub

The organization explains that it has funded over $146 million for research and awarded more than 600 grants, with all donations going to research because board members finance overhead expenses.

Initiatives funded by the organization include a potential treatment selected for the National Institute of Health Blueprint for Neuroscience Research program and the Alzheimers in a Dish study, which could accelerate drug testing.

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Where Stigma Comes From

Negative perceptions about dementia can affect how people view, talk about and interact with people living with dementia. In Canada:

  • 49% of people worry they may develop dementia
  • 64% of people worry someone close to them will develop dementia
  • 68% of people agree that others have negative assumptions about the abilities of people living with dementia
  • almost 60% of people worry that people would treat them differently if they had a dementia diagnosis

This worry can come from a lack of knowledge, and can be further complicated by:

  • fear
  • cultural and spiritual beliefs

What Is The Impact Of The Lewy Body Dementia Association

The LBDA details that it collaborates with a network of 26 academic medical research institutions, which, when combined, provided clinical care to over 17,000 people with the disease in 2020. It also trained more than 7,500 professionals in the clinical management of Lewy body dementia and connected more than 8,000 people with licensed professionals that year.

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How Can You Best Support These Charities

After youve made your decision, its time for you to decide on how youd like to help the charities youve chosen. Check how you can help each charity runs specific programs that have unique aims. Find out what the aim of such programs is and whether they are right for you.

Here are a few ways you can help your chosen charity:

What Does Alzheimers Disease International Do

Dementia is preventable through lifestyle. Start now. | Max Lugavere | TEDxVeniceBeach

ADI supports associations that advocate making the disease a national priority, raising awareness, and offering assistance to people with dementia and their caregivers. It also publishes the World Alzheimer Report, coordinates awareness through World Alzheimers Month in September, and facilitations research and innovation.

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Resources For Alzheimer’s Care

Explore the Alzheimers.gov portal for information and resources on Alzheimers and related dementias caregiving from across the federal government.Phone: 1-800-438-4380

Alzheimer’s AssociationPhone: 1-800-272-3900

The Alzheimer’s Association offers information, a help line, and support services to people with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers. Local chapters across the country offer support groups, including many that help with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease. Call or go online to find out where to get help in your area. The Association also funds Alzheimer’s research.

Alzheimer’s Foundation of AmericaPhone: 1-866-232-8484

The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America provides information about how to care for people with Alzheimer’s, as well as a list of services for people with the disease. It also offers information for caregivers and their families through member organizations. Services include a hotline, publications, and other educational materials.

Eldercare LocatorPhone: 1-800-677-1116

Caregivers often need information about community resources, such as home care, adult day care, and nursing homes. Contact the Eldercare Locator to find these resources in your area. The Eldercare Locator is a service of the Administration on Aging. The Federal Government funds this service.

Phone: 1-800-222-2225TTY: 1-800-222-4225

Caregiving In The Early Stages Of Alzheimers Or Dementia

In the early stages of Alzheimers disease or another type of dementia, your loved one may not need much caregiving assistance. Rather, your role initially may be to help them come to terms with their diagnosis, plan for the future, and stay as active, healthy, and engaged as possible.

Accept the diagnosis. Accepting a dementia diagnosis can be just as difficult for family members as it for the patient. Allow yourself and your loved one time to process the news, transition to the new situation, and grieve your losses. But dont let denial prevent you from seeking early intervention.

Deal with conflicting emotions. Feelings of anger, frustration, disbelief, grief, denial, and fear are common in the early stages of Alzheimers or dementiafor both the patient and you, the caregiver. Let your loved one express what theyre feeling and encourage them to continue pursuing activities that add meaning and purpose to their life. To deal with your own fears, doubts, and sadness, find others you can confide in.

Make use of available resources. There are a wealth of community and online resources to help you provide effective care on this journey. Start by finding the Alzheimers Association in your country . These organizations offer practical support, helplines, advice, and training for caregivers and their families. They can also put you in touch with local support groups.

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How Can Someone Contribute To The Lewy Body Dementia Association

To support the LBDA, you can give monetary donations, facilitate a support group, provide in-kind donations of professional services, plan a fundraiser, donate an unwanted vehicle or boat, and more.

The Association of Frontotemporal Dementia. 2021 annual report.

The information contained in this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical, legal or financial advice or to create a professional relationship between A Place for Mom and the reader. The recommendations contained herein are based on the opinions of the author. Always seek the advice of your health care provider, attorney or financial advisor with respect to any particular matter, and do not act or refrain from acting on the basis of anything you have read on this site. Links to third-party websites are only for the convenience of the reader A Place for Mom does not endorse the contents of the third-party sites.

Alzheimers Treatment And Support

National Alzheimers organization holds conference to educate ...

While there are currently no treatments available to slow or stop the brain damage caused by Alzheimerâs disease, several medications can temporarily help improve the symptoms of dementia for some people. These medications work by increasing neurotransmitters in the brain. To see a list of medications approved to treat Alzheimer’s in Canada, visit Alzheimer’s Society of Canada’s website.

Help Is AvailableFind local programs and services through the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada.

Researchers continue to search for ways to better treat Alzheimer’s and other progressive dementias. Currently, dozens of therapies and pharmacologic treatments that focus on stopping the brain cell death associated with Alzheimer’s are underway.

In addition, having support systems in place and the use of non-pharmacologic behavioral interventions can improve quality of life for both people with dementia and their caregivers and families. This includes:

  • Treatment of co-existing medical conditions
  • Coordination of care among health care professionals
  • Participation in activities, which can improve mood
  • Behavioral interventions
  • Education about the disease

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Can Renew Lives Lostto Dementia

Our approach is simple and effective: We train care professionals how to set up personalized music playlists for those in their care using inexpensive mp3 players. These music favorites specifically the beloved songs from a persons formative years tap deep memories not lost to dementia and can bring listeners back to life, enabling them to feel like themselves again, to converse, socialize, and stay present.

Meet Henry, who suffered from dementia for a decade and barely said a word to anyoneuntil Music & Memory was introduced at his nursing home.

Watch the above excerpt from the film, Alive Inside: A Story of Music & Memory to learn more about the power of personalized music.

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